Welcome to the Lao PDR Trade Portal

This website will help traders to find all the information regarding import goods into Laos and export goods from Laos, including information related to import/export process, regulations for specific products, relevant laws and other useful information.

The Guide for Import-Export, on the right of this page provides a comprehensive set of information and guidelines in plain language, and the database is also designed for convenient search by topic.

By registering as a member on our website, you will be able to obtain regular update on your chosen information categories and other information. Click here to learn more about Member Services and how to subscribe.

Latest Announcements

Certificate of Wooden Products (Before Loading to Container) for Export will be used to declare to customs for the export of wooden products

Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued an Instruction on the Procedure to Certify Wooden Products (Before Loading to Container) for Export which specifies that the Committee of Wooden Products Inspection is consist of 3 sectors: Industry and Commerce, Agriculture and Forestry, State Property Management Office. The committee will inspect wooden products based on company or factory’s proposal. After the Provincial/Vientiane Capital Department of Industry and Commerce approves the certificate, it will be used to declare to customs for the export.

Ministry of Industry and Commerce issues the Decision on the Approval of List of Eligible and Prohibited Wooden Products for Export

Ministry of Industry and Commerce issues the Decision on the Approval of List of Eligible and Prohibited Wooden Products for Export that clearly defines definitions, sizes, and photos of eligible and prohibited wooden products for export in comprehensive Decision in order to facilitate implementation for the government authorities.

Ministry of Finance has issued a Provision on the Levy of 10% Value Added Tax on Passengers' Personal Effects No. 2834/MoF dated 30 August 2016, and an Instruction on the Management of the Levy of 10% Value Added Tax of Passengers' Personal Effects No. 09523/CD, dated 16 September 2016. The levy is exempted for occasional travelers who enter into Lao PDR less than twice a month and their personal effects cost less than 50 USD. However, the exemption will not be granted for frequent travelers.

Latest News

The Collaboration Meeting with the Public and Private Sector to Implement WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement

Department of Import and Export, Ministry of Industry and Commerce as an office of Trade Facilitation Secretariat (TFS) has organized “The Collaboration Meeting with the Public and Private Sector to Implement WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement” to consult with public and private sector on the preparation to extend the Trade Facilitation Agreement that the TFS has create an action plan for the agreement.

The Kingdom of Thailand announces logs, semi processed timbers, and some type of wooden products are prohibited for transit

The Kingdom of Thailand issues a notification which stipulates that logs, semi processed timbers, wooden products of Dalbergia oliveri Gamble ex Prain, and wooden products of Dalbergia cultrate Graham ex Benth are prohibited products for transit. The notification aims to manage and protect natural resources for the Kingdom of Thailand.

On 24 November 2016, Department of Import and Export as an office of Trade Facilitation Secretariat had organized “The Workshop on Ways to Improve Trade Facilitation” to raise awareness for trade facilitation secretariat members on the need and the importance to reform trade procedures, regulations and change in management in order to effectively extend the implement the trade facilitation agreement under the World Trade Organization that Lao PDR has ratified.